July 16, 2024
In the Garden -- Part 2
Genesis 2:7-8
07/16/2024
7 Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the
ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath
of life, and the man became a living creature.
8 And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the
east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.
(ESV)
If Charles Darwin is correct, if humans are an accident of
genetic mutations, then there is nothing inherently superior
about mankind. Yes, we can use tools, but lesser forms of life
use tools. Yes, we can communicate, but lesser forms of life
communicate. But do lesser forms of life understand history, or
geography, or even ask the question, ``Why am I here?''
``Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man
became a living creature. And the LORD God planted a garden in
Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.''
Unlike every other being, God made a deliberate plan for
humans. He formed us out of the dust, and breathed into us more
than a life force. He gave us a perfect will, perfect intellect,
and a perfect mind. But the image of God is more than the will,
intellect, and mind, it is the holiness of living without sin,
without the fear of death, and without shame.
God created us, not only to be another creature to populate
this planet, but to be the caretakers of nature, the stewards of
creation, and to properly use all of His rich blessings. Adam's
labor was a joy, and perfectly satisfying. Working was not a
chore, but something to be embraced, a desire to create and to
take care of everything entrusted to us by God. God created us
also to acknowledge Him and to respect Him in all things. But
this did not last.
May our Lord grant us the faith which sees His love, grace,
and mercy even as He cares for our needs of body and soul. Amen.